ENLARGED PORES ON FACE: HOW TO MANAGE WITH THE RIGHT SKINCARE PRODUCTS

If you’ve ever looked closely in the mirror and noticed uneven texture or extra shine across your nose or forehead, you’ve seen your pores at work.

While pores are a normal feature of everyone’s skin, they can sometimes appear larger than normal – especially across oilier areas of the face. And, while it’s not possible to eliminate pores, you can help minimise their appearance through the right skincare formulas.

Below, we’ll explore what pores are, and what causes enlarged pores on the face. We’ll also walk you through how to minimise their visibility, and outline how to build a pore-minimising routine with Kiehl’s Rare Earth Collection and other expert formulas.

WHAT ARE PORES?

Pores are small openings – each connected to a hair follicle and an oil gland – that sit on the surface of the skin. Together, they create a natural pathway that allows oil and sweat to travel to the surface, helping regulate heat and maintain a balanced complexion.

When these openings become stretched or congested, the result is enlarged pores – particularly around the T-zone (the term pertaining to the forehead, nose, and chin).

WHAT CAUSES ENLARGED PORES?

Enlarged pores form when excess oil and debris build up, stretching the pores’ walls and altering their texture. Several factors contribute to enlarged pores on the face, including:

• Skin type: naturally oily or combination skin often displays more visible pores, while genetics can determine how the skin naturally produces oil.
• Excess oil and congestion: when oil combines with dirt, debris, or dead skin cells, it can form blockages within the pores. Over time, this buildup can stretch pore walls, making them appear more prominent.
• Skin ageing and sun exposure: a gradual decline in collagen and elastin reduces the skin’s firmness, while UV rays can accelerate this process – making pores look more pronounced.
• External factors: habits such as over-cleansing, harsh scrubbing, or using heavy, comedogenic (pore-clogging) products can disrupt the skin’s moisture barrier – amplifying the look of enlarged pores.

HOW TO REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF PORES: 3 EXPERT TIPS

Pores are an essential part of the skin’s structure and can’t be erased.

However, when it comes to reducing the appearance of enlarged pores, there are a few simple steps you can add into your daily routine.

1. Cleanse consistently

Since enlarged pores often result from congestion, daily cleansing helps lift impurities and excess oil before they settle on the skin’s surface.

Look for purifying and skin-balancing ingredients such as:

• Vitamin C: helps firm and tighten the skin around the pores, making them look smaller.
• Clay: absorbs excess oil and draws out buildup, especially around the nose.
• Retinol: encourages cell turnover which prevents pores from getting clogged.
• Vitamin B3 (niacinamide): helps balance oil production and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

2. Exfoliate regularly

Exfoliating your face helps remove dull surface cells that can clog pores and affect the skin’s clarity. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) – gentle yet effective exfoliants – work on the skin’s surface to help dissolve excess oil and minimise congestion.

Our Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub – formulated with the AHA citric acid, as well as energising caffeine, and cooling menthol – works deep within enlarged pores to lift away buildup, particularly around the nose, for skin that feels smoother and looks visibly refreshed.

3. Hydrate and protect daily

Moisture helps balance natural oil levels, while SPF defends against UV exposure from the hot New Zealand sun – which, over time, can weaken pore walls and affect texture.

Choose breathable, non-comedogenic formulas to keep your complexion calm, comfortable, and balanced – helping to prevent enlarged pores.

If your skin becomes dehydrated or sun-stressed during the day, replenish overnight with our Midnight Recovery Concentrate Facial Oil – infused with squalane, lavender, and evening primrose oil – to help rehydrate and restore skin by morning.

MANAGING ENLARGED PORES AT HOME : KIEHL'S 3-STEP PORE MINIMISING ROUTINE

Consistency is key to improvement. And, with the right skincare routine and well-targeted ingredients, you can visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

Here’s a simple three-step routine, powered by Kiehl’s naturally derived ingredients, to help.

Step 1: Cleanse with the Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser

Begin your routine with the Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser. Apply a 20-cent coin-sized amount to damp skin and gently massage in circular motions.

Formulated with Amazonian white clay to draw out buildup from enlarged pores and aloe vera to soothe, it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin: helping refresh the complexion and control shine, without stripping your skin of its essential moisture.

Rinse thoroughly and use both morning and night for optimal results.

Step 2: Follow with the Rare Earth Deep Cleansing Masque

Have blemish-prone or oily skin?

Our Rare Earth Deep Cleansing Masque delivers concentrated clarifying action using the same ethically sourced Amazonian white clay in our cleanser, to extract buildup and absorb excess oil. Clinically tested to reduce surface oil by up to 46.7% within two hours, this facial mask helps skin texture and visibly shrink enlarged pores.

Apply a thin layer once or twice a week, leave on for around 10 minutes, then rinse or remove gently with a warm towel.

Step 3: Protect and hydrate with SPF and Ultra Facial Cream

When the skin lacks moisture, it can overproduce oil, resulting in enlarged pores. That’s why no pore-minimising routine is complete without a hydrating moisturiser.

While pore-clearing ingredients help visibly improve texture and reduce shine, they can sometimes leave the skin feeling dry. Our Ultra Facial Cream is a lightweight – yet intensely hydrating – formula infused with squalane to replenish moisture and support skin strength.

Finishing with a broad-spectrum SPF helps add an extra layer of protection against UV rays, which can compromise the skin’s structure and lead to enlarged pores.

Enlarged pores under control? Keep your complexion clear and balanced with our guide to promoting clear skin.

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